Fisheries Management Biologist

Trout harvest begins February 1st at Rotary Lake

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. -- Anglers get ready! Trout may be harvested from Rotary Lake in Jackson beginning February 1st.

According to Fisheries Management Biologist, Mike Reed, of the Missouri Department of Conservation, fishing has been very good this winter. "If warmer weather continues we should have an excellent opening to the trout harvest season," said Reed.

Reed stated that over 1,900 trout were stocked in November at the start of the catch-and-release season. These fish provide a tremendous amount of fishing opportunity through the fall and winter months when warm water fishing is at a lull.

Reed reminds anglers that they must release trout caught now through January 31.

Additionally, Reed said anglers age 16-64 must have a valid MO fishing permit to fish for trout. In addition, anyone harvesting trout must have a trout permit. The limit is four trout and any lure or bait is allowed.

"An amazing number of trout are typically caught the first week of trout harvest season," explained Reed. He said that many anglers frequently catch limits of trout using lite weight or ultra-lite fishing tackle or fly tackle.

Popular baits include almost any type of small spinner, small crank baits, natural baits such as worms and cheese and commercially produced dough baits.

Questions may be directed to the MDC's Southeast Regional Office, 573-290-5730.

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